Verrucous Carcinoma of the Larynx

Abstract

Verrucous carcinoma is a well differentiated form of squamous cell carcinoma and seen rarely. Histopathologically it is difficult to show malignancy criteria therefore it is frequently confused with benign lesions. It accounts for 1-3% of all larynx cancers and is generally suffered by males over the age of 50. Although human papilloma virus and smoking are thought to be responsible for in etiology of verrucous carcinoma, this matter has not been fully understood. In 127 cases of larynx cancer patients admitted to our clinic between 1992 and 2000, we diagnosed 7 (5.5%) verrucous carcinoma cases who underwent surgical treatment (except one who did not accept treatment). Although our follow-up period was short (42.3±28.4 months) no recurrence was seen in our patients. Therefore, we recommend that verrucous carcinoma patients should be treated with conservative surgical resection, neck dissection should be applied only to clinically positive necks, and radiotherapy should be given to patients rejecting surgical treatment and have the high rate of morbidity.

Keywords

• larynx
• verrucous carcinoma
• treatment.